3S3

The Tektronix Type 3S3 is a sampling plug-in for 560-series scopes.

It requires P6038 probes which contain miniature sampling gates. The risetime is rated at 350 picoseconds.

The sampling gates use four GaAs sampling diodes. The sampling pulse is produced by the Gate Generator module in the plug-in using a blocking oscillator driving a 152-115 step recovery diode and a 6.5 cm clipping line. Balanced pulses are sent up the cable to the sampling gate. The output of the sampling gate returns to the plug-in through the same cable, and enters the preamp. The same blocking oscillator that generates the sampling pulses also generates the strobe for the memory circuit. The sampling efficiency is specified to be 2%.

The 3S3 is recommended in the Type 111 manual for checking the output pulse risetime.

The 3S3 has a main chassis and sub-chassis that plug into it. There is a sub-chassis extension, part number 012-077, that allows maintenance of the sub-chassis.